Method for controlling door movements of the door of a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle component

ABSTRACT

A method for controlling the movements of a controllable door of a motor vehicle that has two or more doors with movable door wings. One door is a main door and at least one other door is a secondary door. A control device and a sensor arrangement are associated to the doors. The secondary door includes a controllable motion influencing device, wherein a motion of the door wing of the secondary door can be at least partially controlled and influenced by way of the motion influencing device between a closed position and an open position. The motion influencing device brakes or arrests a door wing of the secondary door in the closed position for a predetermined time period after the main door has been opened, and/or in dependence on an identified situation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of German patent applications DE 10 2019 115 073, filed Jun. 4, 2019 and DE 10 2019 121 647, filed Aug. 12, 2019; the prior applications are herewith incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method for controlling the door movements of at least one controllable door of a motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle component, wherein at least one control device and at least one sensor arrangement are attributed to the door. The door comprises a controllable motion influencing device. The motion of at least one door wing of the door can be at least partially controlled and influenced to alternate between a closed position and an open position.

The prior art has disclosed controllable motor vehicle doors equipped for example with an electric motor for automatically opening and/or closing the door. Also, motor vehicles have been disclosed provided with doors which can be locked in a suitable position to allow the user ease of entering and exiting. These motor vehicles having this kind of doors provide users with increased comfort and satisfactory use. However, further improvements are conceivable. The safety of use and of the users may be improved by a larger number of, and more expensive, sensors. This increases the costs, in particular if more expensive camera systems and radar/Lidar sensors must be employed for surround recognition, which is not always desired.

Acoustic and optical warning devices are also in the market for signaling e.g. the approach of a cyclist from the rear and his passing on the side during/prior to opening the door. Their usefulness is highly restricted though since a person must either see or hear them, which is not always readily possible depending on the traffic noise and sound volume of the car radio. Moreover, in modern-day vehicles having a plurality of displays, changing lights, and dynamic ambience, children/adolescents show little or no reaction to warning lights e.g. in the door. Very young children do all the less.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a method and device, which overcome the above-mentioned and other disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and which provides for an improved method for controlling the door motions of at least one controllable door of a motor vehicle, and an appropriate motor vehicle, by means of which to improve the safety in particular of users and/or passengers and optionally also of the environment (e.g. passing cyclists).

With the above and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a method of controlling a door movement of at least one controllable door of a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle having at least two doors with movable door wings, one of the doors being a main door and at least one of the doors being a secondary door, and the doors having at least one control device and at least one sensor arrangement associated therewith, the method comprising:

providing a controllable motion influencing device for at least the secondary door, wherein a motion of the door wing of the secondary door can be at least partially controlled and influenced by way of the motion influencing device between a closed position and an open position; and

carrying out one or both of the following:

-   -   from the closed position, braking the door wing of the secondary         door with the motion influencing device until a situation         analysis has been conducted, and influencing an opening mode of         the secondary door in dependence on the situation analysis; or     -   from the closed position, braking the door wing of the secondary         door with the motion influencing device for a predetermined time         period following an opening of the main door.

In other words, the method according to the invention serves to control the door motions of at least one controllable door of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle comprises at least two doors with movable door wings, one of the doors being a main door, and at least one of the doors being a secondary door. At least one control device and at least one sensor arrangement are attributed to the doors. At least the secondary door comprises a controllable motion influencing device, wherein a motion of the door wing of the secondary door can be at least partially controlled and influenced by means of the motion influencing device, to alternate between a closed position and an open position. At least in the closed position the motion influencing device brakes a door wing of the secondary door until the situation has been analyzed (after stopping). In dependence on the situation analysis the opening mode of the secondary door is influenced.

This means that e.g. the door wing is set to provide a time-delayed or decelerated or narrower opening if a child is detected on the seat next to the secondary door. This offers many advantages. In simple cases the situation analysis is performed by means of a seat sensor which detects the weight of the person seated thereon and derives whether or not this is a child. The situation analysis may, instead or supplementarily, be performed by an interior camera. Alternately, sensors of the sensor arrangement may be used, which monitor the surroundings of the door wing and/or the motor vehicle.

Another method according to the invention serves to control door motions of at least one controllable door of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle comprises at least two doors with movable door wings, one of the doors being a main door, and at least one of the doors being a secondary door. At least one control device and at least one sensor arrangement are attributed to the doors. At least the secondary door comprises a controllable motion influencing device, wherein a motion of the door wing of the secondary door can be at least partially controlled and influenced by means of the motion influencing device, to alternate between a closed position and an open position. At least in, or near, the closed position the motion influencing device brakes the door wing of the secondary door until a predetermined time interval has passed after opening (in particular meaning, after opening has started) the main door.

The method according to the invention has many advantages. A considerable advantage of the method according to the invention consists in the fact that a secondary door can virtually not be opened until a predetermined time interval has passed after the main door has begun opening. It can thus be ensured that for example children cannot open their door until the driver or an accompanying person has exited. The method is very simple to implement and virtually does not need any additional (expensive) sensors. The control device is equipped for capturing times and for releasing a door only after a preset time period.

In all of the embodiments and more specific embodiments of the invention it is particularly preferred to enable opening the door from the outside without any interference or influence. Then, as a rule it is not required to wait for a certain time period until opening is readily possible. Then it is as a rule assumed that an adult supervises the opening. Opening from the outside is certainly only possible if this is generally allowed and/or when the main door has already been opened (at least a little).

It is also possible and preferred to enable opening a secondary door virtually only after a predetermined time period has passed since opening the main door was completed. It is preferred to count the predetermined time period from the beginning of the opening procedure. Determining the end of the opening procedure is not always readily possible since the door may not be completely immovable due to wind or other causes, even after the driver has left the vehicle. Thus it is easier to start counting from the beginning of the opening procedure.

Braking in the sense of the present application means that the door wing shows some resistance to opening. It is particularly preferred for the motion influencing device to comprise a braking device or to brake by means of a drive motor. The braking force is preferably set and adjusted for an adult to open the door. Older and in particular young children then preferably have difficulties when pushing the door open.

Alternately it is possible to employ a specific force for braking, which children can as a rule also overcome. This increases safety in case that a child or another person needs to get out of the vehicle suddenly and fast. Emergency situations may be detected (e.g. an accident, sensed by crash sensors) and resulting therefrom, control commands can be transmitted to the door.

It is also possible to apply a relatively weak braking force in predetermined, defined angular sections or dynamically, in dependence on the currently prevailing situation, or a rising and falling braking force when the door wing is moving. Then the braking momentum or the door operating force rises and falls at short time intervals between two adjacent angular ranges (ripple mode).

A ripple mode or a relatively weak braking force, which even children can overcome, increases the safety, since the braking force counteracting the opening or the ripple-like motion reminds the child to not exit (inattentively). The ripple mode offers still clearer warnings than do a mere increase of force or acoustic warning signals. This also prevents exiting absent-mindedly. Haptic, acoustic and/or optical warning signals may be emitted if within the predetermined time period an opening attempt is made, and/or the door wing of a secondary door is opened. Wherein acoustic or optical alarm signals show the drawback that they may not be heard respectively may be overlooked. Haptic warning signals may also be emitted e.g. on the steering wheel.

Also, the secondary door can be, or remain, closed by means of the door lock, until the predetermined time period ends, and the lock(s) of the secondary door(s) is (are) unlocked.

It is also possible to open the door in ripple mode only by a quite narrow angle and then to block it. The advantage thereof is that the user realizes that the door can basically be opened, and the user is not locked in. The user realizes that the door should not be opened because there is a dangerous situation.

The main door in the sense of the present invention is understood to mean a master door. Typically this is the driver door. A secondary door may also be called a “slave door”, which typically refers to all the other passenger doors.

Preferably exactly one main door is provided. Alternately, both of the front doors may be configured as main doors. The rear doors are in particular configured as secondary doors. Alternately each door of a vehicle may be specified individually as a main door or secondary door. Such specification can be changed.

In preferred specific embodiments of all the configurations the mode for opening a secondary door is different for children and for adults. In the child mode the opening speed is preferably restricted stronger than in the adult mode. Also, the maximal opening angle can be restricted more in the opening mode for children (child mode). Further parameters may likewise be variably adjustable.

Preferably the sensor arrangement detects whether a child is seated next to a secondary door.

It is preferred to control the mode for opening (opening mode) in dependence on signals from the sensors of the sensor arrangement, which captures the surroundings of the door. This enables additional modes for influencing door opening.

The door wing of at least one (and in particular a rear) secondary door is preferably also braked during a ride. The brake is preferably released only after the main door was opened and the predetermined—but adjustable—time period since opening was begun, has ended.

Preferably the door wing of a secondary door is braked during rides and in standstill, at least until the predetermined time period has ended.

The length of the predetermined time period can preferably be adjusted. The time period can in particular be selected individually. In this way for example the driver can extend or shorten the time period, once or permanently, on the main display or on his smartphone etc. if he finds that the time period is too long or too short.

Preferably the door wing of the secondary door is braked at least as long as the door wing of the main door is located in a narrow angular range.

The door wing of the secondary door is in particular braked until the predetermined time period has ended, after the door wing of the secondary door has left, or exceeded, the predetermined narrow angular range.

In all the configurations it is preferred to provide a switch or a switch button or the like for bridging the braking function. Then a secondary door may be opened immediately after actuating the switch, wherein no brake acts on the door wing of the secondary door. The switch is disposed in particular within reach of the driver and accessible to the driver or the front passenger. It is also conceivable to operate the switch via the vehicle information system or via a (portable) computer such as a smartphone.

Preferably the strength of braking the motion influencing device is adjustable. This allows to individually adapt the braking strength and for example to adapt it to the children's age. For example a weaker braking action may be set for young children, while a stronger action is set for older children. A weak braking action hinders opening less, for example in the case of an adult passenger who wishes to exit without delay.

The seat detector or occupant detector also allows to determine the weight of the person and to modify the braking force respectively situation control.

Particularly preferably, haptic and/or acoustic and/or optical or other warning signals are emitted if within the predetermined time period an opening attempt is made, and/or the door wing of the secondary door is opened. In this way the principal person may be reliably informed about opening attempts and e.g. admonish the children that unsupervised exiting may be dangerous.

In particularly preferred specific embodiments the motion influencing device influences the door wing multiple times, alternately at higher and lower strength, in an angular section between two angular ranges. The motion influencing device in particular decelerates the door wing multiple times, alternately at higher and lower strength, in the angular section between two angular ranges. The braking momentum or the door operating force thus varies multiple times. The variations stronger/weaker may occur at short time intervals and/or at narrow angular distances. The braking force or the braking momentum may rise and fall linearly or along a sine curve or other curve.

In all the configurations, the control device preferably takes into account sensor data from the sensor arrangement. Data from inside space sensors is in particular captured and used. Preferably, seatbelt sensors, seat sensors and at least one camera for the inner space or an image sensor for the inner space are available. It is conceivable that the control device registers the number of entries and exits to maintain an overview of the quantity of persons in the interior of the motor vehicle.

In preferred specific embodiments the length of the predetermined time period is dependent on the weight of the person seated next to a secondary door. The length of the predetermined time period may for example be extended if the person has a low weight. Thus, a weight of the seated person of 5 kg, 10 kg or 20 kg allows the conclusion that this is a child, which is not intended to exit immediately as the motor vehicle stops. If the weight is 50 kg or more, the seated person is either an adult or a child or adolescent of an age that sufficient common sense can be assumed. In preferred specific embodiments the length of the predetermined time period depends on the size or height of the person seated next to the secondary door. For example if an image sensor for the interior is available, it allows to recognize the body size/height of a person seated next to the secondary door. Then the size/height of that person may be used to automatically adapt the length of the predetermined time period. Small persons of a size/height of for example less than 100 cm are typically children, and an extended predetermined time period is set, while persons of a size/height of approximately 1.50 m or 1.60 m or 1.80 m can exit immediately. Geographic data may be included as well (e.g. a country whose inhabitants tend to be short or tall).

In all the configurations it is preferred for the motion influencing device to comprise a controllable driving device and a controllable braking device.

Preferably the control device, by means of the motion influencing device, sets motions of the door wing of a secondary door to a speed lower than the motion speed of the door wing of the main door. Alternately the motion speed of the door wing of the secondary door can be limited to a lower maximal speed. This makes sense in particular if the door wing is not actively moved, but motions of the door wing are monitored and controlled and decelerated by the braking device.

In all the configurations it is possible that, by means of the motion influencing device, the control device can set the maximal opening angle for the door wing of a secondary door to be narrower than for the main door. Thus, as a rule children do not need much room for exiting so that a narrower opening angle is sufficient. The maximal opening angle may be adapted individually and it may for example also depend on the weight and/or the size/height of the person concerned.

Preferably, two angular ranges are specified, showing different speeds of motion of the door wing. In particular an angular range closer to the closed position is passed through at a lower speed, while the angular range up to, or in particular near, the maximal opening angle is passed through at a higher speed. The speed of the pivoting motion may be reduced e.g. 1° or 2° in front of the maximal opening angle.

In advantageous specific embodiments a motion of a secondary rear door is preferably influenced differently from a motion of a secondary front door.

The motor vehicle component according to the invention serves in particular to carry out a method as described above. The motor vehicle component comprises at least two doors with movable door wings, wherein at least one door can be controlled. One of the doors is a main door, and at least one of the doors is a secondary door. At least one control device and at least one (in particular one each) sensor arrangement are attributed to the doors. At least the secondary door comprises a controllable motion influencing device, wherein a motion of the door wing of the secondary door can be at least partially controlled and influenced by means of the motion influencing device, to alternate between a closed position and an open position. The control device is suitable and configured to brake the door wing of a secondary door by means of the motion influencing device until a predetermined time period has ended after opening the main door, and/or in dependence on an identified situation. The situation is in particular identified by means of the sensor arrangement. The vehicle may also be a bus, truck or an autonomous vehicle. Alternately it may be an autonomous taxi. If the vehicle is self-moving or a driverless taxi, the solutions according to the invention indicated above may be useful as well (e.g. detection of occupants; pertaining door controlling by means of rippling or various opening positions . . . ). Then the main door is a virtual door.

Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a method for controlling door movements of the door of a motor vehicle, and a motor vehicle component, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A a simplistic plan view of a motor vehicle in a first position;

FIG. 1B a simplistic plan view of a motor vehicle in another position;

FIG. 2 a schematic section of a motion influencing device with a driving device and a braking device;

FIG. 3 an enlarged schematic detail according to FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 a perspective illustration of the motion influencing device according to FIG. 2 in an intermediate position;

FIG. 5 a plan view of the motion influencing device according to FIG. 2 in an extended position;

FIG. 6 a plan view of the motion influencing device according to FIG. 2 in a retracted position;

FIG. 7 a diagrammatic section drawing;

FIG. 8 the force path of a device according to FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 another construction of a motion influencing device;

FIG. 10 the progression of voltage over time in starting the drive motor;

FIG. 11 the current progression over time in case of a collision;

FIG. 12 the progression of the motion speed of a door wing over time; and

FIG. 13 a diagrammatic drawing of a measuring method for determining the position of an object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first, particularly, to FIGS. 1A and 1B thereof, there are shown two different positions of a motor vehicle 200, which is a passenger car in the exemplary embodiment. The motor vehicle 200 is shown in a schematic plan view from above. The motor vehicle 200 shown has four doors, namely two front doors 100 c and two rear doors 100 d. The driver door in motor vehicles travelling on the right-hand side of roads and streets is on the left, so that the main door 100 a is on the front left, while the other doors are configured as secondary doors 100 b. Basically (at least) one, or any, desired door may be defined as the main door.

In FIG. 1A all the doors are shown in differently wide open positions. The two front doors 100 c are each in its maximum open position 103 which shows an angle 61, so that a pertaining maximum angular range 61 ensues.

On the whole at least one sensor arrangement 60 is provided which may comprise multiple, different sensors, which may be disposed distributed over the motor vehicle 200. It is thus possible to use for example the same location sensor 62 for different doors 100. The motor vehicle 200 is provided with angle sensors 19 in the doors 100, a position sensor 63, an inclination sensor 64, which may for example be configured as an acceleration sensor, surround sensors 65 in particular configured as distance sensors, at least one image sensor 66, radar sensors 67, in particular one or more inside space sensors 68, and at least one current sensor 69 for capturing the power demand of the drive motor 75 of the driving device 70. Sensors 160 serving e.g. as parking sensors for distance measurement may be provided on the rear and the front and optionally on the sides. The motor vehicle 200 with the motor vehicle component 201 is in the position 202 in FIG. 1A.

The inside space sensors 68 may for example also include an image sensor 66 for detecting the number and kind and/or size of the occupants. Personal identification of certain persons is in particular possible (family, circle of friends or colleagues, etc.).

The control device 55 is provided with a comparator 56, a memory device 57, in which tables and charts 58 can be stored. The memory device 57 may store data from previous situations. The data may be retrieved. This data may include location information (position 202 etc.) including data on the type of location (shopping center, workplace, beach, meadow etc.), time data (time of day, day of the week, annual season), weather data (temperature, humidity, wind speed and wind direction) and parameters for the motion influencing device 50 (see FIG. 2 ) and further parameters and data.

For example when the front passenger door 100 b on the right is closed, the door wing 104 first moves at a high pivoting speed. As a smaller angular range 61 a is reached, the speed is reduced. In case that an arm or hand or leg of a person is caught or a collision with some object is detected, the lower speed allows very fast response so that any effects remain relatively small.

Such a situation is shown for the rear door on the right, exemplarily indicating an item 94 preventing the door wing 104 from closing further. If such a situation is detected, in which the door wing hits against an item 94 or in which an object is pinched, then the drive motor 75 stops and immediately reverses its rotational direction. Thus the angle is enlarged from the narrower angle 105 to the somewhat larger angle 106 so that the item 94 may be removed.

A weight sensor 68 in each of the seats in the interior can inform the control device 55 about which of the seats are occupied and about the weight of each occupant. Thus, the control device 55 may “memorize” which person prefers which seat. Thus, young and therefore lightweight children tend to sit on the rear seats. The weight data allows to individually associate a person with a seat. This allows individual control of the pertaining door 100 for each person.

The driver door exemplarily shows a hand 90 of a user touching the main door 100 a. A pertaining hand sensor 59 may inform the controls that a user for example holds onto the door 100 when exiting, and may correspondingly actuate the braking device 1. The seat detector senses via a weight sensor 68 that the driver has already exited. After exiting, and when the hand 90 has detached, the control device 55 may automatically release the braking device 1 and for example automatically close the door wing 104.

FIG. 1B shows a slightly different position of the motor vehicle 200 in a simplistic plan view from above. Therein an object 91 moves in the direction of the arrow 93, the arrow 93 indicating the direction and its length, the speed of movement of the object 91, which is e.g. relatively slow. The object 91, such as a shopping cart, is moving straight toward the righthand passenger door 100 b. The variant in broken lines exemplarily shows the object at an earlier time, and the solid variant, the object 91 at the present time. This allows to determine the movement direction and movement speed.

The door 100 b is wide open for example after the user has stepped out, leaving the door wide open. If the movement of the object 91 does not change, it would hit against the door wing 104, which may result in damage to the surface paint or the metal door sheet.

Via the sensor data of the sensor arrangement 60, the control device 55 detects that the object 91 is on a collision course and, for example by way of the surround sensor or distance sensor 65, captures the current distance from the object 91. Then the control device 55 activates the drive motor 75 of the righthand passenger door 100 b, automatically closing the door wing far enough for the object 91 to safely pass the motor vehicle 200 without colliding with the door 100.

It is possible for the door 100 to move so as to always maintain at least a minimum distance from the object 91. It is also possible to shift the door to the closed position 102 or to assume an open position in a very narrow opening angle 105.

For example if the door has originally been in the opening angle 105 and captured the object 91 via the distance sensor 65 attached to, or integrated in, the door, then the door can be actively pivoted about a comparatively narrow angular range to thus capture distance data of the moving (or stationary) object 91 from various angular positions. The door wing 104 may for example be pivoted up to the slightly wider angle 106.

The measurement data from the various angles allow to triangulate the object 91 by means of one single sensor 65. By employing a suitable measuring frequency and considering the known movement speed of the door wing 104, a reliable determination of the position 92 of the object 91 and its movement direction and movement speed is possible while using just one single distance sensor 65.

Sensor data of further sensors of the sensor arrangement 60 may be referred to for example to better determine the dimensions of the object 91.

In the example shown in FIG. 1B, the door wing 104 e.g. of the rear door on the right may remain open unchanged since no direct collision is imminent. However, it is also possible to close the rear door 100 d on the right further to avoid collision.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment in section, wherein a motion influencing device 50 for a door or door component 100 is provided. The door component 100 respectively the motion influencing device 50 comprises connecting units 151 and 152 for mounting to the motor vehicle 200. The first component 32 is for example fixedly connected with the door. The first component 32 is provided with a rotary takeup 3, presently configured as a coupling rod 3. The second component 33 is rotatably supported on the rotary takeup 3, wherein the second component 33 comprises a threaded spindle 4 on its outside, so that it is designed as a spindle unit 4.

A third component 34 configured as a spindle unit 5 is provided. The third component 34 is coupled with the second component 33. The spindle unit 5 comprises an internally threaded spindle nut 5 meshing with the external thread of the spindle unit 4 of the second component 33. The intermeshing spindle units 4 and 5 convert axial movement of the two connecting units 151 and 152 relative to one another to rotational motion.

A controllable braking device 1 is configured in the interior of the second component 33 for decelerating the rotational motion. The braking device 1 is configured as a controllable rotary brake for at least partial, controlled damping of motion of a door wing 104 between a closed position 102 and an open position 103. The driving device 70 with the drive motor 75 serves for controlled motion.

The third component 34 accommodates the coupling profile 153 for pivoting around the pivot axle 34 a. The pivot axle 34 a may e.g. be designed as a bolt or axle stub on the third component 34 to pivotally accommodate a boss of the coupling profile 153. The pivot axle 34 a is transverse, presently perpendicular, to the rotation axis 33 a of the second component 33. The in particular rod-shaped coupling profile 153 is connected with the second connecting unit 152 by its second end for pivoting around the pivot axle 152 a. The pivot axle 152 a may alternately be configured as a bolt or axle stub on the second connecting unit 152, pivotally accommodating a boss of the coupling profile 153. The coupling profile 153 is pivotally connected with the third component 34 at a first end, and pivotally with the second connecting unit 152, at its second end. The second connecting unit 152 may e.g. be attached to, or configured on, the A-pillar or B-pillar of the motor vehicle.

The driving device 70 is accommodated in the second component 33 to actively control respectively actively guide the door. The drive housing 71 is rotatably supported in a drive accommodation 73. A normally non-rotatable connection between the drive housing 71 of the drive motor 75 and the first component 32 may be disconnected by the actuator 80, which here comprises a drive 86. The drive 86 may be displaced in the vertical direction, thus disconnecting and re-establishing a non-rotatable connection of the drive housing with the first component 32. The actuator 80 is provided optionally only and, if it is installed, allows undisturbed, simple pivoting of the motor vehicle door in a “manual mode” without motor support. In many configurations the actuator 80 is not comprised, and the drive motor 75 is in a continuously engaged state. Thus, in the configurations shown in the FIGS. 4 to 6 .

The second component 33 is provided with the first spindle unit 4. Furthermore, the second spindle unit 5 is configured on a third component 34. The internal toothing of the spindle unit 5, configured as a spindle nut, engages the external toothing of the spindle unit 4, configured as a threaded spindle, so that in the case of a relative rotational motion of the second component relative to the third component, the connecting units 151 and 152 are axially displaced to one another.

Actuating the drive motor 75 then causes direct rotation of the two components 32 and 33 relative to one another. Since the second component 33 is configured with a threaded spindle 4, which is engaged in the threaded nut 5 of the third component 34, the motor thus causes axial displacement of the connecting units 151 and 152 relative to one another.

In the decoupled position, when the actuator 80 is not fixedly coupled with the drive housing 71, the angular positions of the components 33 and 32 relative to one another can be readily and solely manually be displaced.

The drive unit is not mandatorily required to be disposed coaxially to the braking device 1. It may be disposed parallel or at an offset. The torque may be transmitted for example via V-belt, toothed belt, gear wheels, bevel gear wheels, chain drive, friction wheels or the like. The shaft 72 may e.g. be provided with a toothed belt gear. The component 33 may show at its extreme end a toothed belt profile which is then operatively coupled by means of a toothed belt, with the toothed belt gear of the motion influencing device 50 respectively the drive unit 70.

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged detail of the motion influencing device 50 with the driving device 70 and the braking device 1. Of the three components 32, 33 and 34, the first component 32 is connected with the body of the motor vehicle 200, and the second component 33 is connected or coupled with the door wing 104. The second component 33 is rotatably supported on the rotary takeup 3, which is configured as an axle unit. Bearings 7 are disposed between the axle unit 3, which may also be referred to as coupling rod, and the second component 33. Between the bearings 7, electric coils 9 are disposed against which a rotary body 2 each abuts in the axial direction. The electric coils 9 provide a magnetic field source 8. When the electric coils 9 generate a magnetic field, this results in a braking momentum between the two components 32 and 33. The braking device 1 allows to apply a strong braking momentum in any desired angular position, so as to prevent inadvertent changes to the opening angle of the door wing 104.

FIG. 3 also shows exemplarily the curve of the magnetic field 10 respectively field lines of a magnetic circuit.

The magnetic field generated by the electric coil 9, which is a magnetic field source 8, runs through a section of the magnetically conducive sleeve 17, passing through a rotary body 2 disposed adjacent to the electric coil, and enters into the coupling rod respectively rotary takeup 3 likewise consisting of a ferromagnetic material, and returns axially as far as the next rotary body 2, where the magnetic field lines re-enter radially passing through a rotary body 2 and into the sleeve 17, where they close. Preferably two separate rotary bodies 2 each are provided between pairs of axially adjacent coils. Multiple magnetic circuits may be provided which are axially spaced apart from one another. Each magnetic circuit may for example comprise two rows of rotary bodies 2, which are disposed to the right and left of an electric coil 9, distributed over the circumference. The larger the number of magnetic circuits/rotary body units performed, the higher is the maximum braking momentum.

It is also possible to provide rotary bodies elongated in the axial direction, so that the magnetic field of the electric coil 9 adjacent on one axial side, flows through one end of an elongated, cylindrical rotary body, while the magnetic field of the next electric coil 9 flows through the other end of the cylindrical rotary body 2.

A duct 21 may be configured centrally in the interior of the coupling rod 3 respectively the rotary takeup 3, for example comprising ducts branching off, extending for example to each of the electric coils 9, so as to control supply of the electric coils with electric current 9.

The coupling rod respectively rotary takeup 3 is in particular fixedly connected with the first component 32 and it may optionally be configured integrally therewith, or it may be screw-connected with, or welded to it.

It is possible to provide spacer rings 18 between the individual series of rotary bodies 2, for separating the individual magnetic circuits from one another.

FIG. 3 clearly also shows the external thread 14 of the threaded spindle 4, in engagement with the internal thread 15 of the spindle nut 5.

The sleeve 17 is non-rotatably connected with, for example glued to, the threaded spindle 4, which is the second component 33. Employing a sleeve 17 of a ferromagnetic material allows manufacturing the threaded spindle 4 per se for example of plastic, wherein using special plastics is advantageous. This will considerably save weight. Moreover the threaded regions of the spindle units 4 and 5 can be self-lubricating, so that operation of the device 50 can be maintenance-free and low-friction.

A seal 13 is disposed adjacent to the roller bearing 7 comprising for example a radial shaft seal ring, providing contact sealing for all the gaps. Since the rotary takeup 3 preferably consists of a ferromagnetic material and for example a relatively soft steel, a bearing race 28 of a hardened material is preferably applied on the rotary takeup 3 in the region of the seal 13 to prevent wear.

A plurality of magnetic circuits is preferably accommodated in the interior, in the hollow space between the rotary takeup 3 and the sleeve 17 (if the threaded spindle is for example of plastic) respectively the internal wall of the threaded spindle 4 (if it consists of a ferromagnetic material and has no sleeve 17) and the outer surface of the rotary takeup 3. Electric coils 9 are wound either directly onto the rotary takeup 3 or wound onto coil supports 11, which are then pushed onto the coupling rod 3 in the hollow cylindrical inner space.

Adjacent to the electric coils 9, a plurality of rotary bodies or rolling members 2 are preferably accommodated on each of the axial sides, through which the magnetic field of the magnetic circuit closes. For example 8 or 10 rotary bodies 2 may be disposed in one axial position distributed over the circumference.

FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 show various positions of the motion influencing device 50 according to FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 shows the motion influencing device 50 in a medium position, in which the spindle nut 5 is in an intermediate position. A medium portion of the coupling profile 153, which can be seen in perspective and which is configured elongated, extends through the cutout 32 b on the metal sheet or guide sheet 32 b. The guide sheet 32 b is fixedly connected with the first component 32 and in particular configured integrally thereon.

It can be seen that the cutout 32 b is just slightly wider than the coupling profile 153. The architecture shown allows a very narrow construction whose clear width may be less than twice the width of the coupling profile 153 perpendicular to its longitudinal extension. This is achieved in that the coupling profile 153 is articulated on both sides and has such a shape that it always lies in the center of the cutout 32 b, notwithstanding the kinematic conditions varying during the motions of the door wing due to the spaced apart connection points respectively door leaf pivoting and fastening points 152 a of the drive unit.

The first component 32 may substantially consist of a bent or edge-bent metal sheet and it may be directly screwed to a door wing 104 e.g. by means of screws 151 a. The device is in particular mounted in the interior of the door or in the interior of a door structure of the door wing 104.

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a completely extended coupling profile 153. The device is in the extended end position, and the coupling profile 153 extends maximally through the cutout 32 b. In the plan view according to FIG. 6 one can clearly see that the coupling profile 153 comprises multiple, presently two, bends 153 d and 153 e, oriented in opposite senses. Thus the ends of the coupling profile 153 extend in parallel and they are disposed offset by less than one width transverse to the longitudinal extension. The precise profile shape depends on the installed situation. At any rate, a slim architecture is obtained whose space requirement for installing in the interior of a door wing is small, including in operation.

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the motion influencing device 50 according to FIG. 2 in a largely retracted position. The coupling profile 153 is largely retracted, extending laterally not beyond the diameter of the second component 33 or the third component 34.

As the FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show, a guide sheet 32 a is fastened to the first component 32 for attaching to a door wing 104. The guide sheet 32 a comprises a cutout 32 b, through which the coupling profile 153 passes. The coupling profile 153, which is designed elongated and curved, is pivotally coupled with the third component 34 and the second connecting unit 152.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagrammatic drawing of the function of the magnetorheological transmission device 40 with the basic principle of the rotary damper respectively the braking device 1. This Figure is basically already illustrated in WO 2017/001696 A1. The pertaining description and the entire content of WO 2017/001696 A1 is therefore included in the disclosure of the present invention by reference.

FIG. 7 shows two components 32 and 33, whose relative motion is intended to be damped respectively controlled and influenced by means of the transmission device 40. A plurality of rotary bodies 2 embedded in a magnetorheological fluid 6 is disposed in a gap 35 between the components 32 and 33. The rotary bodies 2 are separate parts 36, functioning as magnetic field concentrators so that, when a magnetic field is applied and the components 32 and 33 move relative to one another, a wedge effect ensues, so that wedge-shaped areas 46 form in which the magnetorheological particles collect, and by way of the wedge effect effectively braking further rotation of the rotary bodies 2 and relative motion of the components 32 and 33 to one another.

The clear distance 39 between the rotary body 2 and the surface of the components 32 and 33 is basically larger than is a typical or average or maximum particle diameter of a magnetorheological particle in the magnetorheological fluid. Such an “MRF wedge effect” obtains a considerably stronger influencing than could otherwise be expected. The result is in particular a high static force which may be utilized as a retaining force.

The rotary dampers or braking devices in 1 shown in the exemplary embodiments preferably all function according to this “MRF wedge effect”.

The high static force can be effectively used as a retaining force and may be advantageously utilized, as FIG. 8 shows, where the force path of the braking force of the magnetorheological transmission device 40 respectively the braking device 1 is illustrated over the number of revolutions of the rotary bodies (and in analogy, also of the rotatable spindle unit). It can be seen that a standstill of the rotary body 2 generates a very high braking force. When the user overrides the braking force which holds the door open, then the braking force will drop considerably with the speed increasing, even while the magnetic field is still applied, so that the user can readily close the door, overriding the sufficient retaining force, even while a magnetic field is applied.

This effect results in that basically in any random angular position a high retaining force is generated, which the user can readily override for closing the door. This provides for a very comfortable function. The closing function can be motor-assisted so that only slight forces are required at all times.

FIG. 9 shows a structurally different configuration of the motion influencing device 50. The motion influencing device 50 according to FIG. 9 again provides for the conversion of linear motion to rotational motion, respectively rotational motion to linear motion. To this end the device 50 comprises spindle units 4 and 5. In the axial direction for example the braking device 1 follows, while the drive motor 75 is coupled by way of a belt 77. Alternately it is possible for the braking device to be coupled to the rotation axis of the spindle units via a belt. Bevel gear wheels or the like may also perform deflections of 90° or another angle. FIG. 9 shows in a broken line another, likewise preferred variant where the braking device 1 is not disposed coaxially relative to the rotation axis of the spindle units. The braking device 1 shown in broken lines and/or the drive motor 75 may be linked via a bevel gear system (each), bevel gear wheels, a cardan shaft, chain, etc. and may be oriented in parallel or oblique to the transmission or to one another.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic illustration of a conceivable curve of the voltage and thus also of the speed of the drive motor and thus the door wing, over time. As an active motion of the door wing 104 is initiated, then the voltage of the electric drive motor 75 increases according to a linear function from 0 up to the provided operating voltage for normal motion. This achieves smooth starting characteristics of the drive motor 75. Increasing the operating voltage and thus the speed is not necessarily linear but it may for example show the path of a sinusoidal function of 0-90°. Another conceivable path similar to a sinusoidal function in the range of 0-90° is shown in broken lines. Alternately, other functions or curve paths are possible which ensure in particular joltfree starting of the drive motor and joltfree motion of the door wing.

The voltage of the drive motor 75 is correspondingly reduced just before the intended final angle is reached.

FIG. 11 shows the current progression of the drive motor 75 in a pinching situation 95, indicated on the rear righthand side in the FIGS. 1A and 1B. The door moves at normal closing speed and relatively low force. Accordingly a normal closing current 84 flows through the drive motor 75. As an item or an object is hit, the resistance to the pivoting motion of the door wing 104 increases, so that the motor current rises steeply and finally exceeds the threshold 82 for the maximally permissible current strength. After a time interval 83 there is a response and the voltage of the drive motor 75 is reduced rapidly or suddenly so as to reduce as fast as possible the load applied on the pinched object or the pinched body part. To obtain efficient load relieving, the rotational direction of the drive motor 75 is reversed. At the point in time 85 a direction reversal is achieved so that the door wing 104 is (slightly) opened again at the point in time 85. The door is opened until for example the angle 106 from FIG. 1A is reached. The threshold 82 is not intended to protect the motor but to protect objects, and to protect any pinched body parts it is in particular selected so as to avoid injuries as far as possible, if a pinching instance 95 should ever occur. This is ensured virtually without any additional sensors. Solely the motor current requires monitoring. It is useful to capture the angle of the door wing.

Repeated automatic closing of the door following a collision must either be done manually or it is done at considerably reduced speed. Given a lower speed, the moment of inertia of masses is smaller, so that if any obstacle appears, stopping is possible even faster.

FIG. 12 shows relevant voltage or speed curves of the drive motor 75 over time. The broken line shows for example a curve in a repeated closing attempt following a first collision, wherein the door wing 104 is then moved at a clearly lower voltage and thus a clearly lower speed.

The broken line furthermore shows a voltage and speed curve of the drive motor 75 over time, as a secondary door 100 b and in particular a rear secondary door 100 d is to be opened. When the driver stops the motor vehicle 200 and manually or automatically opens the driver door, which is the main door 100 a, then if the control device is set accordingly, opening the rear doors 100 d and optionally also the front passenger door 100 b on the right can be locked. For example if children are taken along on the rear seat, it is advantageous for the children to not be able to open the vehicle doors until the driver has opened his door and exited the vehicle. A time delay for opening the secondary door 100 b is set, wherein each of the secondary doors 100 b can be activated individually. The delay and time interval 110 ensures that children will not directly jump out of the motor vehicle.

Moreover, secondary doors used by children may be provided for a less than complete opening angle. Moreover, the opening speed may be set lower.

FIG. 13 shows in a schematic plan view the triangulation principle using one single distance sensor 65.

For example the door wing 104 is first in the closed position or shows a first door angle 115, capturing an object 91 at a distance 114. The sensor 65 may for example be a radar sensor.

After pivoting the door wing 104 up to the wider measuring angle 117, the distance 116 from the sensor 65 to the object 91 can be determined. Since the first angle 115 and the second angle 117 are known and the distances 114 and 116 have been measured, conclusions about the position 92 of the object 91 can be readily made.

The door wing does not need to be pivoted about a correspondingly large angular range. It may also be conceivable to pivot the door wing about the door angle 117 for example by the measuring angle range 96. The measuring angle range may be for example 5°, 10° or 15°, or it may be less than 5°. In relation to the position, distance, and size of the object 91, already small angle variations allow to obtain sufficiently reliable results.

The position data of the geographic position 201 of the motor vehicle and optionally particulars of the inside of a building such as the floor level of a parking garage allow to assess the situation in which the doors of the motor vehicle are opened. Further controls employ the time of day, day of the week, and the annual season. Moreover, weather data and personal preferences of the user may be considered.

The doors may accordingly be opened slower or faster, and the maximal opening angle may be selected to be narrower or wider. In a parking garage with narrow parking bays, door wings 104 tend to be opened less wide than in the entryway to the user's single family residence. Unless the user has young children who for example tend to leave toys lying around in the driveway. Then, experience and historical data may be used to ensure a low-risk control of opening and closing doors.

On the whole, an advantageous method is provided. An “intelligent car door” is provided and can be employed for door control. Automatic opening and closing doors by way of an electric motor, and braking and retaining the door in particular by means of a magnetorheological braking device is possible. A cost-reduced sensor arrangement may be used. The sensors employed are basically all prior art according to their functional principle. Improved use and possible combination of distance and angle sensors and current consumption of the electric motors employed allow to save on additional sensors and thus save costs.

New operating modes for door controls are introduced which contribute to safety and damage prevention (both for persons and items and vehicles).

Modern-day car manufacturers state a recognition of a majority of obstacles for automatic doors, and in particular at least 80% or better 90% or more than 95%. It is advantageous to be aware of the non-detected remainder, so that the customers may optionally be granted ex gratia compensation for any damage suffered.

Technically it is not simple to capture 95% of obstacles by sensors alone (ultrasound, radar, lidar, . . . ). There are far too many situations and items around doors worldwide.

It is difficult to detect obstacles and items by means of sensors via distance measurement alone. It is more purposeful to make a pre-selection, analyzing and examining the situation in depth. In the case of car doors this means to identify the situation by means of location sensors and/or local recognition and/or image recognition and further information, and to determine these purposefully by means of suitable sensors such as near field sensors.

Initially it makes sense to determine the location and analyse the surroundings. The point in time is known. For example if the vehicle is standing in a desert state in summer, then snow and stones lying beneath etc. are improbable. If the temperature is above X degrees (e.g. 20° C.), snow is at any rate improbable. In a desert (GPS info) many trees and brush are improbable. In a forest, these are highly probable though. In San Francisco many streets are sloped and windy, a salt lake/plain is entirely flat and has no obstacles. In a city, narrow parking places are more probable than in the open countryside. A parking garage shows space conditions different from a parking place in the street in front of a large shopping mall. A densely populated city has many pedestrians and optionally dogs or other animals. A countryside and quiet regions (country; Scandinavia . . . ) will show a small number of persons but may be cows or other animals.

Image recognition plus sensors allow to better detect a bush having a thin protruding branch than do sensors alone, in particular if winds move the branches. The image recognition may be employed as a “near field sensor”.

It is advantageous to keep an image sensor for image recognition clean. The required optics should be clean enough in various circumstances (rain, dust, snow . . . ) so that images can be analyzed. It is advantageous to clean the optics periodically and/or when not in use, to dispose it in a protected position, similar to what the human eyelid does.

An image sensor or a camera is preferably attached so that in an active state the sensor is not readily contaminated and e.g. rain or snow does not directly fall on the optics. It is in particular possible for a cleaning element in the shape of e.g. a cleaning blade to wipe across the optics during retracting and/or extending. In case the camera still gets contaminated it may be retracted and extended for cleaning.

Preferably a lateral image sensor or a lateral camera (optics) is in a protected position when not in use. The image sensor is in particular cleaned by retracting and/or extending. An incorporated cleaning station may be provided therefor.

Continuous image recognition allows to capture the entire lateral surroundings and to collect data in particular on obstacles, within the lawfully permitted scope.

Storing such data is subjected to legal provisions as regards data protection and rights to personal privacy. The object is not, collecting data about persons.

Autonomous deflection of the door is very advantageous if the door detects the approach of an item or a person (e.g. a shopping cart). Preferably the door closes automatically, in particular as a constant specific space is penetrated, so as to avoid collision with the door and thus damage to the surface paint. However, such motion ends at a specific closing angle so that no fingers etc. are pinched. The door is moved by means of the electric motor. Controlling the motor (via voltage control) in particular does not involve a step response, but increasing is linear or by any desired function, so that the drive motor (motor) does not start jerkily but accelerates evenly (see FIG. 10 ).

To avoid unnecessary loads on the drive motor (low speed, strong current), the braking device (MRF brake) may be used additionally for braking and retaining the door.

The distance to an object may be controlled by means of a radar sensor, as will be described below in more detail.

One object is the recognition or smart capture (computation, analysis) of the largest possible quantity of situations by means of available sensor signals and data. The control device “knows” by means of GPS etc. that a shopping center is near or in the vicinity. Then, persons and shopping carts are more probable. This reduces costs for series production for the entire system.

In all the cases it is possible to open and close a door (in particular the driver door) with pedals. The accelerator pedal may be used for automatic opening and the brake pedal, for closing. This function must only operate with the motor shut off, since otherwise the risks would be too great. When the motor is shut off, the pedals which are normally intended for driving may be used for opening and closing the door (doors).

The MRF braking device 1 simulates the slide gate of a normal hinge. In specified angular positions the door is braked. For opening the door wider or closing it, the user must overpress a “barrier” (high resistance). As the end angle of the barrier is reached, the braking device lets go, and the door moves virtually resistance-free up to the next click-stop position. Thus, if the user prefers, he senses the “normal” feel to which he is used when opening a door.

A pinch protection and/or child safety mode for “closing” generally increases safety and serves as a child safety system specifically for rear doors. When the door is closed manually or automatically, there is the risk for a child to pinch its finger or arm in closing. A solution involving an additional sensor is conceivable, wherein a sensor is e.g. installed in the door seal. Thus, the sensor detects obstacles (finger, hand, etc.) during closing. This involves a certain complexity since additional sensors are required. The MRF braking device is fast enough for saving travel distance because the sensor in the door seal only travels over short compression distances. The seal is thin, and only short travel is available for detecting pinched items. Fingers etc. only show minor yield. For closing and for the lock to fully snap into place, a comparatively high door speed is required due to the door seals and the resistance caused thereby when the door is closed, until the lock fully snaps into place.

An advantageous variant is to first perform situation detection and to determine the location of the vehicle and/or the persons sitting in the vehicle. Recognition of children and recognition by way of family relationships and/or seat sensors is possible. An interior camera may be useful.

Preferably the door or the door wing closes at a normal speed until it is open one arm's width to then considerably decelerate and thus continue at a low inertia energy. The power input of the drive motor may serve to detect an increase in resistance. The power input increases since the load on the drive motor increases. As is shown in FIG. 11 , braking starts immediately, the drive motor immediately opens a little and waits. An acoustic signal is emitted. Then the user must close the door manually. To enable the controls to differentiate this increase of current when hitting an item, from a starting current when accelerating the door, the current value must maintain the increased value for a certain time. For example if the value is above 4 A, given a regulation frequency of 10 kHz over 1000 cycles, the regulator sends a negative current to the drive motor to reverse the rotational direction and thus to open the door.

Alternately to manual closing, closing may be done slowly once again, automatically or by push button, in particular following a short interruption. If resistance-free closing is possible, the door may be slammed shut automatically, with briefly opening the door to e.g. 15° to gather momentum. Thereafter the door is closed at a speed just high enough as required for clicking the lock in. The speed is in particular not increased suddenly but according to a function, e.g. in a straight line or another, in particular continuously, increasing function. Thus the door wing together with the drive motor and the current sensing including “approach by feel” is the sensor. This is advantageous if the drive has sufficient force for the closing operation. The user may primarily use it for the rear doors where children tend to be sitting. It may also be used for the front doors. The user may adjust the settings.

“Gathering momentum” in pulling shut is an advantage over assisted pull, where an electric motor pulls the door entirely shut at a consistent speed. Then an electric lock may be required if the required force is too high, in the case of low speed. In this case a normal (mechanical) lock can be used and an electric motor of a relatively low power that is just high enough to obtain sufficient speed for completely closing the door, including on a slope. Additionally, sensors in the door interiors (in the seals) can be omitted. This allows considerably economizing on costs on the whole.

Additionally, as a child safety system and safety in general, the door may be provided to be opened only if the vehicle is stationary, monitored by the control device.

Time-delayed opening of doors is advantageous, in particular for additional safety for children. When a car is parked, children sitting on the rear seats cannot open the door in particular until the person (adult, parent) in front exits. Thus there is more time for taking care that the children do not exit and do not get involved in road traffic accidents.

When the persons in front have exited, the rear doors may be opened. The maximum speed for opening may be limited so that the children cannot carelessly open the door toward the street or toward another parked car or an obstacle. The opening angle may be limited to a restricted angle, since most children do not need as much room as do adults.

At the same time the exiting aid may be automatically activated after opening, so that the door is retained in the opened position, for the children and/or adults to hold onto during exit so that they do not pinch themselves.

Preferably a “soft stop” is realized, and the door is prevented from overshooting. The braking device also aids in slowly decelerating the door movement, so as to prevent overshooting. At the same time the controls detect it if the door swings back in a fast braking action, so as to release, or contain, the motion e.g. if the door is intended to be closed again immediately by way of the return impulse. The brake and the drive are initiated at a precise point in time, utilizing inertia instead of fighting it.

Obstacle recognition in particular by radar is advantageous. Radar basically only allows to detect a distance but does not know the location of the item (one-dimensional). Thus it is advantageous to move a door wing with a radar sensor attached thereto so as to capture distance values for varying rotational angles and to build therefrom an at least two-dimensional “map” of the surroundings, which is considered for movements, so as to largely prevent collisions.

It is advantageous to include the opening angle of the door. The angle and the position of the sensor in or on the door is known. This results in another dimension. Calculation allows to capture the position of the item at higher accuracy respectively to narrow the position down. Moving the door changes the signal measured by the sensor. These changes allow to compute back to items in the vicinity, since the signal (distance signal) changes at different speeds. For rotational motion while opening the door and for various positions of an item relative to the rotation axis, see FIG. 13 . The door may in particular be moved back and forth in particular within a small angular range, so as to measure an item (or a number of items simultaneously).

A controlling scheme for object detection by means of a radar sensor and angular measurement in or on the electric motor is like this: First the sensor (radar sensor, distance sensor) installed in the door is queried. Then the radar signal data is processed and filtered etc. The radar distance from the object is determined. Angular measurements are taken in parallel to determine the angle of the door wing. The door angle is computed. Now, data fusion by way of trigonometry is carried out by means of the door angle and the radar distance, by pairs of angular values, taking into account the changed angle. In the control device the data is processed and the motor current is regulated by way of the power supply voltage to move the door as desired.

The control process is performed as follows:

-   -   a) The actual distance is detected by radar.     -   b) Is the actual distance less than the threshold value?     -   c) If the answer to b) is no, controlling is set to maximum         permitted opening angle with the brake activated.     -   d) If the answer to b) is yes, the question is asked, is the         door angle above the maximum value?     -   e) If the answer to d) is no, the question is asked, whether the         door angle is less than permitted.     -   f) If the answer to e) is no, the distance is adjusted.     -   g) If the answer to e) is yes, the question is asked, whether         the actual distance of the radar is higher than the target         distance?     -   h) If the answer to g) is no, the engine is turned off and the         brake is activated or adjusted.     -   i) If the answer to g) is yes, the clearance is controlled and         adjusted.     -   j) If the answer to e) is yes, the question is asked, whether         the actual distance of the radar is less than the target         distance?     -   k) If the answer to j) is yes, the clearance is controlled and         adjusted.     -   l) If the answer to j) is no, the controlling is set to the         maximally permitted opening angle with the brake activated.

A recognition of surroundings and situation is advantageous. Recognition of the surroundings by radar is preferred. Solely by way of lidar, ultrasound, image recognition etc. is difficult. The quantity of items and situations is too large. Pre-selection is therefore advantageous.

Knowledge about the user's intentions is advantageous for entering or exiting. Intentions tend to be clearly recognizable. When the vehicle is closed and/or stationary for an extended time, e.g. in the garage. GPS or other sensors reveal e.g. where the garage is at home. Further dependency ensues by way of the time: night, day, workday, weekend, holiday, . . . ). The user approaches the vehicle, opens the door. He enters (as do further occupants), fastens his seat belt, and starts the vehicle respectively the engine. Thus the vehicle/the door controls know who is in the vehicle and what functions may or need not be required.

The vehicle starts, at the next stop the occupants release their seat belts and the driver switches the vehicle or engine off. The seat detector supplies data on who is located where. An occupant e.g. exits. The location (home; workplace, shopping, . . . ) allows conclusions about the surroundings (trees, pillars, walls etc.).

This may be used for example if an occupant follows certain routines: Thus, a user drives the children to school in the morning. The controls know the time and the route (via GPS; cell phone info). The control device knows e.g. by way of the seat detector, where a child is located, e.g. in the rear. When the child exits, the opening and closing mode is set including a child safety system. The same may apply to front passengers. Then the door opens in the correspondingly provided mode.

The seat detector can detect it if a foot protrudes out of the vehicle in exiting. The control device recognizes that an occupant intends to exit, and opens the door appropriately.

Special situations are preferably considered, e.g. the case that an occupant gives something out of the vehicle to a person outside the vehicle. Then the vehicle motor tends to be running and the hand brake may be applied. The seat belt is fastened. The seat belt is pulled out because the occupant moves. The control device detects this, and opens not at all or just a little.

The rain sensor or the weather app detect rain or snow. In unfavorable weather, people wish to enter or exit faster. Then the doors are opened correspondingly (faster). The opening angle may be selected larger to accommodate an umbrella. The umbrella is e.g. placed behind the front seat, to which end the rear door is opened.

The wind indicator in the weather app or rain app is used to consider winds. The doors are better secured. The control device is virtually prepared and “sensitized”. The braking momentum and/or driving torque for door motions is increased from the start to prevent fast, unintentional pivoting open and shut.

When a driver is waiting, letting a passenger exit, e.g. in front of a department store or a pharmacy, the driver remains in the vehicle with the seat belt fastened, while the engine is running. The position is known through the GPS. The passenger exits, and the driver slowly sets the vehicle in motion up to the pickup position. The door is opened.

The surround recognition of the door also allows to detect puddles. The control device detects a puddle of water with the surround sensors, informing the driver so as to not stop precisely for himself or other occupants to step into a puddle. The recognition may be activated in dependence on the number of occupants.

Retaining a door in a sloping street is advantageous. Handling the door and retaining the door in a sloping street position is comfortable. The result is motion with a nice haptic feel. Only in the combination of an electric drive motor plus a variable MRF braking device is it feasible involving reasonable costs. Permanent magnets are also advantageous for retaining the door currentless in an open state since they also allow to set up a currentless, permanently high retaining force.

Acceleration sensors may be located in any place in the car, they do not need to be inside the door; or other sensors for measuring the position and location of the car are advantageous as well. The information whether an incline or a horizontal or plane surface is given is sent to the control device. Thus, the controls can immediately start braking the door as it is opened downwardly on a slope, to prevent the door from opening too fast and too wide. In an uphill position the controls know that the electric motor must apply a higher force for opening the door. The brake must also apply a higher force for retaining the door in a stopped position. The sensor applied may be any of the sensors already installed in the car, e.g. a sensor in the tire measuring the position of the tire, or another available sensor.

A combination of the electric motor and the braking device is advantageous because retaining the door in position by means of an electric motor alone would involve high current intake. The electric motor would have to be much larger than is required for opening and closing. An MRF braking device, however, consumes little current, when the brake is additionally equipped with permanent magnets it does not need any current therefor. Retaining a door open for an extended time does not involve a high risk of emptying the car battery.

Moreover the braking device is very advantageous for a good haptic motion course, since in opening and closing, the braking device can brake the door so that the door does not pivot beyond a point but can be braked slowly up to exactly a given point.

Motor vehicles with direct or indirect internet access may use information from the internet as an option of surround recognition for vehicles. Motor vehicles equipped for mobile internet may e.g. download satellite pictures to thus detect static obstacles etc., may download weather data, etc. Public WLAN networks in shopping centers, bars, railway stations etc. may also be used for obtaining information (from the internet or immediately from the information of the WLAN network).

For determining the location of a vehicle if no GPS signal is received, the radio cells of a mobile radio network may be used (for rough location). Preferably, global parameters such as the annual season, temperature, location (e.g. via GPS) and the time of day are used. Local parameters, such as the current weather, slope, and position (garage, parking garage etc.) are in particular used. The records of an image sensor enable image recognition by the control device for identifying the surroundings. In all the configurations, noise can be captured and detected. In advantageous specific embodiments, occupant sensing is performed. The state of the car (stopping, parking, traveling) may be considered.

At least some of the data described above can be pre-selected. Sensors for obstacle recognition and angle sensors may be taken into account. On the basis of the above, door motions are controlled and in particular regulated, wherein the speed of door motions, the opening angle etc. are controlled.

Knowledge about various external conditions allow adapting the parameters even without sensors in the door, and certain options may be prohibited, e.g. snowfall in 40° C. outside air temperature. With this data the parameters may be optimized.

Pre-selection can advantageously be graded in multiple stages, depending on the sensors used or data processed:

A global stage comprises the location and thus the climatic zone. The location may be determined via GPS. The temperature may be captured by a thermometer. Also, the time (day, night) is considered. Light conditions can be sensed by the headlights control sensor.

In a local stage the garage or shopping center etc. is determined e.g. via GPS. The weather (rain, wind, show) may be derived from data from the internet, or from rain sensors of the windshield wiper system. The car position relative to the horizon (inclined on a slope or horizontal) may be measured e.g. with acceleration sensors (already installed in tires or in the engine compartment or in the car body).

Image recognition e.g. by means of an image sensor or a camera and using an image recognition software scans the surroundings for obstacles and other problem spots. The color of the ground may provide information on the condition (grass=green, snow/ice=white, blueish and gray).

Noise recognition may capture driving noise by a microphone. Software may draw conclusions therefrom on the road conditions (asphalt is silent and homogeneous; metalled roads are noisier and inhomogeneous; meadow/grass has a different noise quality; cobblestone is very loud), available microphones for hands-free systems in the occupant space could be used.

The road conditions may be determined from the damper behavior; thus, e.g. adaptive MRF dampers may detect uneven ground.

The occupant sensing system may detect the weight on the seats, or children, adults and items such as shopping bags are identified by cameras and image recognition.

Voice recording allows to use keywords for conclusions on external conditions, wherein data protection is observed.

Alternately or additionally to radar sensors, laser may be used. The laser illuminates the surroundings in front of the door. To this end it may e.g. cast a grid on the surroundings (with diffraction grating or by fast moving mirrors or another technology). A camera sees the shape of the grid and can thus make very precise conclusions on the shape of the surroundings, clearly detecting obstacles. This method shows the advantage that materials are recognized which are invisible to radar, e.g. various plastics, snow, wood, etc. and any materials not transparent to the wavelength involved.

Preferably, an infrared laser in combination with an infrared camera may be used. Infrared light is invisible to humans and thus not interfering, and infrared lasers are inexpensive since they are used in huge quantities for telecommunication applications.

In an example the preselection by GPS data detects a location close to the equator. The temperature is high (>30° C.), and noise recognition allows the control device to detect a soft ground. Thus, the car is very likely on sand. After opening, the door is retained in the exiting aid mode so that the user does not slip and fall down on the sand. The same applies for low temperatures and precipitation, indicating snow and ice.

Driving on a metalled road increases the probability for trees, brush, and stones on the road, compared to city streets. Instead, bollards, traffic lights, other vehicles etc. are rather improbable.

FIG. 12 shows a path of the angular velocity (e.g. in the interior of the drive motor 75). The angular velocity while closing the door is set to a value which the user may specify, e.g. 200°/s in the motor/spindle.

Then the motor turns at a constant angular velocity until a target angle (of the door wing) is reached, or up to a deviation of e.g. 1° in the case of “pinch protection”. As the target angle is reached, the motor is again braked at constant deceleration.

Rotational speed regulation and current control occurs via online trajectory generation and combined therewith, position control. Signals may be smoothed so as to filter out e.g. current spikes.

This current control for door motions is a cascade control. Initially, the controller receives the angular position of the door and the internal angle of the motor. The trajectory generation computes the current target angle of the motor and forwards it to the position control. The temporary motor angle position is compared against the target position and a signal for the target value of the angular velocity is generated. The speed regulation in turn compares the actual value against the target value of the angular velocity, issuing a current value for the motor. Finally the signal is smoothed so as to avoid current spikes.

In general, the entire opening range of a door may be subdivided in various angular sections.

The first opening range comprises the closed state and “disengage from the lock”, wherein the lock is no longer clicked in.

The second opening range comprises the angular range in which exiting is not yet possible even for slim persons. One can at the most stick one's hand through to pass an object out.

The third opening range is the angular range in which slim to medium sized persons exit.

The fourth opening range is the angular range in which medium-sized to large persons exit, defining a wider opening angle.

The fifth opening range follows, up to the maximum opening angle.

In all the cases, additional functions may be implemented, e.g. a display on a cell phone, a smart watch or the display in the car, on all the devices connected and operational.

A warning may be emitted if the radar or another important function is not operational. The warning may be an acoustic and optical warning e.g. emitted on the cell phone. It is very advantageous for the cell phone, the smart watch or the on-board computer of the vehicle to indicate whether or not the radar detects an item. A traffic light indication mode may be provided: red-amber-green.

Sliders may be provided for setting different opening speeds in an app so that the user may set his preferred speed. The basic setting in particular provides for slow speed.

An entering and exiting aid (braking the door wing for retaining the angular position) may be activated by prolonged stepping on the brake pedal during exiting, which is preferably only possible from the opening range 2 onwards.

An entering and exiting aid is virtually not (never) permissible in the opening range 1, since this opening angle prohibits any exiting. If activation is still desired, the driver may be shown on his cell phone or hear e.g. on the sound system of the car or see on a display of the on-board computer that activation is not possible. The driver might feel locked up.

An entering and exiting aid may be useful in the second and third opening ranges.

It is possible for the opening range to adapt to an (identified) person.

An entering and exiting aid may be cancelled by actively, briefly pivoting the door back and forth.

With an entering and exiting aid activated, fast door motions for release with a drive motor may be prohibited. The drive motor may be used for braking, if the angular velocity rises too high with an activated entering and exiting aid (if the loads acting on the door are e.g. too high).

If a person or object is within the radar range during closing, rapid opening to the open position 1 may occur upon detection.

As a protection from pinching/child safety system (activation by dedicated knob) the door may close at normal speed up to ca. 10 cm in front of the normal closed position. Thereafter it moves quite slowly, checking for any objects between the door and entry. If yes: door immediately opens again a small distance (recognition via power input). If no: door “gathers momentum for closing (closing motion)”.

A direct connection of the spindle unit with the coupling rod is also possible and preferred: The spindle may be directly connected with the coupling rod so that the coupling rod cannot pivot relative to the spindle. This allows a thinner architecture of the motion influencing device. In this variant the spindle nut is directly attached to the drive respectively brake unit, and the spindle moves in the axial direction relative to the drive and the brake.

In all the cases the control device can—upon the user's respectively occupant's assent—also access, and include, sensor data or other data from mobile telephones or smart phones and/or data from other smart devices.

The motions of a door wing may be controlled, taking into account the currently prevailing situation.

Accordingly, when controlling door motions, the geographic position and position data of the motor vehicle may be included. The geographic position and/or the position data and/or the occupant sensing system allow an initial assessment of the situation. It can be detected whether the motor vehicle is standing on the beach or in a car park or whether children are inside.

The sensors allow to identify a situation and to control the door motions in relation to the situation. Situation parameters may include, the position, environment, occupants, weather, etc. Other parameters may be added.

Door motions of at least one controllable door of a motor vehicle may be controlled. The sensor arrangement advantageously comprises a sensor (or current sensor), which captures a measure of the motor current of the drive motor or the rotational force of the door wing. If the door wing is not yet closed, the control device can identify an obstacle, at least while closing and/or opening the door wing, already by the fact that the power input of the drive motor or the rotational force of the door wing rises above a predetermined threshold, because the rotational force required for moving the door increases due to the obstacle. Then the control device stops the drive motor in particular immediately, or the fastest possible. This method may be used in reverse also, or only, for opening, so as to reduce, or even completely prevent, damage from an obstacle hitting the door wing.

Door motions may advantageously be controlled by a controllable door of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle may comprise at least two doors with movable door wings, one of the doors being a main door, and at least one of the doors being a secondary door. At least one control device and at least one sensor arrangement are attributed to the doors. At least the secondary door comprises a controllable motion influencing device, wherein a motion of the door wing of the secondary door can be at least partially controlled and influenced by means of the motion influencing device, to alternate between a closed position and an open position. At least in the closed position the motion influencing device can brake a door wing of the secondary door until the situation has been analyzed. The situation analysis or situation recognition may be performed prior to stopping, or during or after stopping the motor vehicle. In dependence on the situation analysis the opening mode of the secondary door and also the main door may be influenced.

During opening or closing, a ripple mode may be employed at least in one angular section. A ripple mode, wherein the door wing motions are alternatingly braked stronger and weaker, draws the user's attention. This also happens if only a relatively weak braking force is generated which even children may override. Safety is increased, since during entering or exiting the braking force counteracting the opening or the ripple-like motion reminds the user to not exit (inattentively) or to open the door wing wider (or to close it further). The ripple mode offers still clearer warnings than do a mere increase of force or acoustic warning signals.

This also prevents absent-mindedly moving the door wing or exiting. Haptic, acoustic and/or optical warning signals may also be emitted. Haptic warning signals while opening e.g. a secondary door may be emitted e.g. on the steering wheel.

It is also possible to permit the door opening in ripple mode only by a quite narrow angle and then to be blocked. The advantage thereof is that the user realizes that the door can basically be opened, and the user is not locked in. The user realizes that the door should not be opened because there is a dangerous situation.

In a predetermined and/or dynamically defined angular section the motion influencing device decelerates the door wing multiple times, alternately at higher and lower strength, in the angular section between two angular ranges. The braking momentum or the door operating force thus varies multiple times. The variations stronger/weaker may occur at short time intervals and/or at narrow angular distances. The braking force or the braking momentum may rise and fall linearly or in a sinus or other curve.

It is advantageous for the mode for opening a secondary door to differentiate between children and adults. In the child mode the opening speed may be restricted stronger than in the adult mode. Or, the maximum opening angle is restricted stronger in child mode.

In all the configurations the invention may be employed in trucks, busses, taxis, and also in self-moving vehicles and self-moving taxis.

The following is a list of reference numerals used in the above description of the invention with reference to the drawing figures:

-   1 braking device, rotary brake, rotary damper -   2 rotary body, rolling member -   3 rotary takeup, axle unit, coupling rod -   4 spindle unit, threaded spindle -   5 spindle unit, spindle nut -   6 magnetorheological fluid -   7 bearing -   8 magnetic field source -   9 electric coil -   10 magnetic field -   11 coil support -   12 threaded nut -   13 seal -   14 external thread -   15 internal thread -   16 punched nut -   17 sleeve -   18 spacer ring -   19 position sensor, location sensor -   21 duct -   22 speed parameter -   23 angular velocity, motion speed -   28 bearing race -   29 cable -   30 force path -   32 component -   32 a guide sheet -   32 b cutout -   33 component -   34 component -   34 a pivot axle -   35 gap -   36 separate part -   39 clear distance -   40 transmission device -   42 rotation axis -   46 wedge shape -   50 motion influencing device, device -   55 control device -   56 comparator -   57 memory device -   58 table -   59 hand sensor -   60 sensor arrangement -   61 angle (of the door), pivoting range -   61 a angular range -   62 location sensor -   63 position sensor, GPS sensor -   64 inclination sensor, acceleration sensor -   65 surround sensor, distance sensor -   66 image sensor -   67 radar sensor -   68 inside space sensor -   69 current sensor -   70 driving device -   71 drive housing -   72 drive shaft -   73 drive accommodation -   74 transmission -   75 drive motor -   76 engaging dog -   77 belt -   78 data interface -   80 actuator -   81 biasing unit -   82 threshold -   83 time interval -   84 normal closing current -   85 direction reversal -   86 drive -   90 hand -   91 object -   92 position of 91 -   93 arrow/speed -   94 obstacle, item -   95 pinching instance -   96 measuring angle -   100 door, door component -   100 a main door -   100 b secondary door -   100 c front door -   100 d rear door -   102 closed position -   103 open position -   104 door wing -   105 (narrow) angle -   106 (somewhat larger) angle -   110 time interval -   111 switch -   112 speed of 100 a -   113 speed of 100 b -   114 distance determination -   115 door angle -   116 distance determination -   117 door angle -   151 connecting unit -   151 a screw -   152 connecting unit -   152 a pivot axle -   153 coupling profile -   153 d bend -   153 e bend -   160 sensor -   200 motor vehicle -   201 motor vehicle component -   202 position of 200 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for controlling a door movement of at least one controllable door of a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle having at least two doors with movable door wings, one of the doors being a main door and at least one of the doors being a secondary door, and the doors having at least one control device and at least one sensor arrangement associated therewith, the method comprising: providing a controllable adaptive damper for at least the secondary door and the main door, wherein a motion of the door wing of the secondary door and the main door can be at least partially controlled and influenced by way of the adaptive damper between a closed position and an open position; and carrying out one or both of the following: from the closed position, braking the door wing of the secondary door with the adaptive damper until a situation analysis has been conducted, and influencing an opening mode of the secondary door in dependence on the situation analysis; or from the closed position, braking the door wing of the secondary door with the adaptive damper for a predetermined time period following an opening of the main door wherein the control device is configured to cause the adaptive damper to set a maximum opening angle for the door wing of the secondary door to be narrower than a set maximum opening angle for the main door.
 2. The method according to claim 1, which comprises braking at least the door wing of a secondary door during rides and at standstill, at least until a predetermined time period has elapsed.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein a length of the predetermined time period is adjustable.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein a process for opening a secondary door is different for children and for adults.
 5. The method according to claim 4, which comprises detecting with the sensor arrangement whether a child is seated next to a secondary door.
 6. The method according to claim 1, which comprises controlling an opening of the secondary door in dependence on sensors of the sensor arrangement capturing the surroundings of the secondary door.
 7. The method according to claim 1, which comprises providing a switch to be actuated for bridging the braking function.
 8. The method according to claim 1, which comprises adjusting a braking strength of the adaptive damper in the closed position.
 9. The method according to claim 1, which comprises braking the door wing of the secondary door at least as long as the door wing of the main door is located within a predetermined narrow angular range.
 10. The method according to claim 9, which comprises braking the door wing of the secondary door until the predetermined time period after exceeding the predetermined narrow angular range has ended.
 11. The method according to claim 1, which comprises taking into account with the control device sensor data of the sensor arrangement.
 12. The method according to claim 11, which comprises detecting and using data from inside space sensors.
 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein a length of the predetermined time period depends on a weight of a person seated next to the secondary door.
 14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the length of the predetermined time period depends on a size and height of a person seated next to the secondary door.
 15. The method according to claim 1, which comprises emitting alarm signals selected from the group consisting of haptic signals, acoustic signals, and optical signals if within the predetermined time period an opening attempt is made and/or the door wing of the secondary door is opened.
 16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the adaptive damper comprises a controllable driving device and a braking device.
 17. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control device causes the adaptive damper to set or restrict a motion of the door wing of the secondary door to a speed that is less than a speed of the door wing of the main door.
 18. The method according to claim 1, which comprises specifying two angular ranges with different motion speeds of the secondary door wing.
 19. The method according to claim 1, which comprises causing the adaptive damper to influence the secondary door wing multiple times, alternately at higher and lower strength, in an angular section between two angular ranges.
 20. The method according to claim 1, which comprises influencing a movement of a secondary rear door differently from a movement of a secondary front door.
 21. A motor vehicle component for controlling a door movement of at least one controllable door of a motor vehicle, comprising: at least two doors with movable door wings, the at least two doors including a main door and at least one secondary door; a control device and at least one sensor arrangement associated with the doors; the secondary door and main door including a controllable adaptive damper configured to variably resist opening and closing for at least partially controlling and influencing a motion of a door wing of the secondary door and main door between a closed position and an open position; and wherein said control device is configured to brake the door wing of the secondary door by way of the adaptive damper for a predetermined time period after the main door has been opened or in dependence on an identified situation about the motor vehicle; and wherein said control device causes said adaptive damper to set a maximum opening angle for said door wing of said secondary door to be narrower than a set maximum opening angle for said main door. 